Joshua Irby Announces Candidacy for Arkansas State Senate, District 16
- Joshua Irby
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
Updated: Jul 4
Putting Service Above Politics—and People Before Party.
Bryant - Joshua Irby, a first-generation Arkansan and longtime security professional, today announced his candidacy for Arkansas State Senate District 16. A centrist and civic nationalist, Irby is running to bring unifying leadership and practical solutions to his community.
“I’m running because Arkansas deserves leaders who put people over parties and service over politics,” said Irby. “Our district needs someone who listens and works to build—not divide.”
Irby and his wife moved to Bryant in 2022 to build their first home and become part of the community. “From day one, I was impressed by the warmth and kindness here,” he said. “We’re not just living in Bryant — we belong here. That spirit inspired me to serve, and I look forward to giving back to this great district.”
His commitment to service runs deep. Irby’s father came to Arkansas in the late 1980s to lead a church-funded school during a time of rising violence in Little Rock, providing safety and opportunity for youth. That legacy shapes Irby’s belief in civic responsibility and community leadership.
Professionally, Irby has spent over 15 years in corporate security, advancing to manage global intelligence for a Fortune 500 company. “My career has been about preparedness and protection — values I bring to this campaign,” he said.
Though running as a Democrat, Irby emphasizes he is neither a traditional Democrat nor a Republican. “I’m a centrist who believes voters deserve a real choice,” he said. “Arkansas makes independent runs nearly impossible, so I filed as a Democrat—without compromising who I am. I also wanted to respect the Republican delegates who voted to close their primary. Even though it wasn’t enforced, I won’t register as a Republican just to check a box. That’s not leadership—it’s politics as usual.”
Irby’s platform centers on strengthening schools, ensuring accountable government, protecting freedoms, and fostering economic growth that benefits all communities. He rejects divisive politics in favor of unity and practical solutions.
“This race is about direction, not division,” he said. “Regardless of party, I’m here to serve every resident of District 16 and raise the standard for leadership in Arkansas.”
Irby’s campaign theme, Respect. Resolve. Renewal., reflects his commitment to principled leadership grounded in shared civic responsibility. He defines his political philosophy as civic nationalism — a belief that Americans are united not by race or ideology, but by common values of liberty, equality, and justice.
“What unites us as Arkansans and Americans isn’t our differences — it’s our shared duty to one another,” he said. “I’m running to serve all of District 16 and to bring that commitment to every corner of our state.”
For more information, visit irbyforarkansas.com or follow @IrbyForArkansas on social media.
Paid for by Joshua Irby